Month: May 2016

The A-list

New Derby sponsor Sentient was a winner right out of the gate

Boulevard noticed the jet-share company’s logo appeared prominently on winner Nyquist’s post-run blanket, as well as ball caps worn by the thoroughbred’s owner Paul Reddam and others during TV broadcasts and other news media.

Based in the Boston area, Sentient announced a multi-year agreement with Churchill Downs in February, under which the company would offer exclusive benefits to Derby and Kentucky Oaks guests.

How prominent was Sentient’s role? Look no further than this photo Boulevard took of today’s Courier-Journal sports section:

Sentient

Bottom Line

Whoosh! Imagine how much we spend on toilet paper every year

Always looking for a bargain, Boulevard bought a 24-pack of Charmin Basic toilet paper today at ValuMarket on Bardstown Road in the Highlands. Cost: $11.99, after a $1 savings for using our frequent-shopper card. Because we love numbers, that made us wonder how much Louisvillians spend every year on TP.

Here’s the math: Americans use an average of 23.6 rolls per person each year, according to The New York Times. Louisville’s population is now around 613,000 residents. Boulevard spent 50 cents per roll today, which we’re guessing is at the low end of the price range, since Charmin Basic is a no-frills brand.

The bottom line: 613,000 residents would use 14,466,800 rolls, at an annual cost of $7,233,400. You’re welcome!

Related: The history of toilet paper dates to the 6th century.

Philanthropy

Community Foundation logoThe Community Foundation of Louisville is coordinating the third annual Give Local campaign, which helps local non-profits generate extra fundraising oomph. During last year’s campaign, some $3 million was raised for the 362 nonprofits that participated, representing contributions of 5,200 donors and 8,785 gifts, The Courier-Journal says today. This year’s drive launches with online registration on May 15 at www.givelocallousiville.org.

Food and Dining

julepIt’s the drink that prompted Ernest Hemingway to throw his glass against a wall. Even Teddy Roosevelt had a recipe of his own, according to Town & Country’s history of the Derby favorite.

To be sure, there are lots of variations on the traditional recipe. The Ralph Lauren-owned Polo Bar’s version is made with Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, muddled with strawberries and served in a glass etched with the clothing designer’s signature Polo pony motif, says Vanity Fair.

At Churchill Downs, nearly 120,000 juleps are served over the two-day period of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend, according to the official Kentucky Derby site. Today, Derby Day, juleps are all across Twitter.